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Prineville man arrested following hostage situation

Thomas Hays reportedly held a woman inside a home against her and is facing several charges

A Prineville man is facing multiple criminal charges in connection with a hostage situation early Saturday morning.

According to Prineville Police Department reports, authorities received a call about a Prineville woman being held against her will at a Southeast Second Street residence by a man later identified as 34-year-old Thomas Anthony Hays.

The woman, 39-year-old Trisha Delaney, said that Hays may have a firearm. Police responded and ultimately called in assistance from additional agencies including Crook County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police, Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the Bureau of Land Management's K-9 unit.

Just before 4:15 a.m., Delaney came out of the residence unharmed. She added that she and Hays were the only two in the residence. About two hours later, Hays was located by CERT in a vehicle parked in the garage of the residence. He ignored orders to come out of the vehicle, authorities said, and the vehicle's window was broken to remove him.

Nearby neighbors were evacuated during the incident for their safety due to firearms being mentioned. Hays was arrested for violating a restraining order barring contact with Delaney. He was additionally charged with second-degree disorderly conduct, interfering with a peace officer, possession of Oxycodone, and fourth-degree possession of controlled substance schedule. He was booked and lodge into the Crook County Jail.